Yeast infections can occur on almost any area of a dog’s body, but they are most common on the paws.
Yeast occurs naturally on your dog’s body, but if there is an imbalance, the yeast can start to grow out of control and irritate the paws.
Yeast infections do not go away on their own and require prescription medications from a veterinarian.
You can also choose to use home remedies alongside the medications to help relieve your dog’s discomfort.
How Do Dogs Get Yeast Infections?
There are many different types of yeast in the world. Dogs can easily pick up yeast while walking. Since the pads of their feet do not have a lot of protection, it’s easy for yeast to grow there.
The yeast can live on a dog’s body for a long time and will only become a problem when an abnormality occurs and the yeast starts to spread quickly.
These abnormalities can be caused by infections, allergic reactions, environmental changes, long-term exposure to humidity, diet or nutrition problems, medications, or a weakened immune system.
Signs & Symptoms of Yeast Infection in Dogs
If you suspect your dog may have a yeast infection on his paws, look for some of these signs and symptoms:
- Licking the paws
- Biting at the paws
- Sensitive paws
- Pungent odor
- Pawing at the floor
- Oily or discharge coming from the paws
- Crusty scabs
- Rough or dark skin
Supplies Needed for Treatment
If your dog has a yeast infection on his paws, it’s best to have it checked out by a veterinarian.
Yeast infections often require medications to stop the infection and prevent it from coming back. If you prefer to treat the yeast infection at home, you will need these supplies:
- Antifungal shampoo
- Topical corticosteroid medication
- Oral antifungal medications
- Triple antibiotic
- Antibiotics
- Tea tree oil
- Dry towels
How To Treat A Dog Yeast Infection On The Paws
If you are planning to treat your dog’s paw yeast infection, you will need to follow the following steps.
Step 1: Clean the Paws
Bathe the dog, and clean the paws gently but thoroughly. You will need to clean the paws daily to remove dirt and bacteria that could irritate the paws and lead to other infections.
Use an antifungal/anti-yeast shampoo (this one works well – it contains both chlorhexidine and ketoconazole) to help kill the yeast and stop the spread of the infection.
Know that you may need a prescription formula from your veterinarian if the over-the-counter shampoos fail.
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Step 2: Dry The Paws
Least thrives in damp environments, and because water and moisture can stay on the fur and between the toes of dogs, it can be tough to keep that area dry.
After bathing your dog, use a towel to dry the paws completely. Be sure to dry in between the toes.
Step 3: Apply Topical Medications
It’s best to discuss treatments with a veterinarian before applying anything to the area of the yeast infection.
Your dog’s vet can prescribe the right topical steroid, antibiotic, and steroid cream.
Apply the topical medication to your dog’s paws, and keep the dog in place to allow it to absorb into the footpad before it may be rubbed it off when your dog walks.
Step 4: Administer Antibiotics
Provide your dog with oral antibiotics as prescribed by a vet. While a yeast infection is considered a fungal infection, it’s not uncommon for other infections to occur with it.
Veterinarians may prescribe an antibiotic to help treat these infections.
Step 5: Monitor the Infection
Check your dog’s paws regularly to ensure the dog has not scratched or bitten them to cause the skin to break open.
This can cause more severe infections that could make their way to the dog’s bloodstream and cause severe problems.
If you notice the yeast infection is spreading or see that the paws are swollen or bloody, take your dog to the veterinarian.
Step 6: Provide Daily Care
Yeast infections can be tough to get rid of, and you will need to provide daily care and treatment.
If you are treating it properly, the infection should start to clear up within a few days.
If the infection does not improve within a week, if it becomes worse, or if the dog has a reaction to any of the medications used to treat the infection, contact your vet immediately to determine your next course of action.
What To Feed When Dog Has Yeast Infection
Good nutrition can help your dog fight the yeast infection more easily. Dog foods that contain probiotics and natural ingredients are the best options.
Yeast can feed on sugar, preservatives, and starches, so it’s best to avoid foods with these ingredients. Some dog food options to consider include:
- Earthborn Holistic Dry Dog Food
- NutriSource Grain-Free Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dog Food
- Zignature Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food
- Brothers Complete Dog Food
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Dog Yeast Infection Home Remedy
If you prefer to treat your dog’s yeast infection naturally and at home, a good home remedy is apple cider vinegar.
The apple cider vinegar changes the pH level of the dog’s skin and prevents the yeast from growing.
Apple cider vinegar can be too strong to use directly on your dog’s skin, so be sure to dilute it with water. Use the mixture to wipe your dog’s paws twice a day to kill the yeast.
Other home remedies that can be used to treat yeast infection include:
- Coconut oil
- Turmeric
- Baking soda
- Epson salt
Dog Paw Yeast Infection Soak
If your dog has a yeast infection on its paws and you don’t want to bathe him several times a day, you can use a yeast infection soak instead. Follow these instructions to whip up your own soak:
Supplies:
- A large bowl
- Water
- Peroxide
- Distilled vinegar
- Dry towel
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine equal parts water, peroxide, and distilled vinegar in the bowl.
Step 2: Hold your dog close to you, and gently submerge the paw in the solution for five minutes.
Step 3: Repeat with each infected paw.
Step 4: Use the towel to dry your dog’s feet thoroughly.
Step 5: Repeat twice a day until the yeast infection clears up.
Preventing Dog Paw Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are common, but it is possible to prevent them. Here are some things that can help reduce your dog’s risk of developing a paw yeast infection.
- Provide anti-yeast food
- Regular exercise
- Regular health exams
- Keep your dog’s feet clean and dry
- Reduce humidity in your home
- Clean dog crates and bedding often
Dogs Most Likely To Develop Yeast Infections
While any dog can develop a paw yeast infection, there are some breeds that are more prone to them.
- Highland Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
- Basset Hound
Dogs may also be more susceptible to yeast infections if they have certain underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, allergies, or dermatitis.
Conclusion
Paw yeast infections are common in dogs, and they are usually not cause for concern. Treating the yeast infection quickly will reduce the risk of any serious complications.
If left untreated, yeast infections can spread to other areas of the body and may cause other infections and health problems.
If you are not comfortable treating your dog’s yeast infection on your own, make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 20:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
